Pictured left to right: Dr. Daryl Beetner, professor of electrical and computer engineering; Jason Brinker, venture manager for ExxonMobil; Missouri S&T Chancellor Cheryl B. Schrader; Dr. Ralph Flori, associate professor of geological sciences and engineering; and Dr. James A. Drallmeier, Curators’ Teaching Professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Missouri University of Science and Technology has received $200,775 from the ExxonMobil Foundation as part of the company’s 2013 Educational Matching Program.

The program provides a 3-to-one match for donor pledges from ExxonMobil employees, retirees, directors and surviving spouses up to $7,500 to qualified colleges and universities. Grants are unrestricted, but colleges and universities are encouraged to designate a portion to math and science programs supporting student engagement.

Missouri S&T will use the ExxonMobil funds to support the chemical and biochemical, mechanical, electrical, petroleum and civil engineering programs.

Jason Brinker, venture manager for ExxonMobil and the company’s recruiting lead for Missouri S&T, joined Missouri S&T Chancellor Cheryl B. Schrader on Friday, May 23, for the check presentation. Brinker, a 1997 chemical engineering graduate of Missouri S&T, encouraged ExxonMobil employees who were also Missouri S&T alumni to donate to Bertelsmeyer Hall, Missouri S&T’s new chemical and biochemical engineering building, and encouraged them to take advantage of the matching-gift program. As a result, ExxonMobil was the third-largest donor to the project. The building is expected to open in fall 2014.

“For decades, Missouri S&T has had a strong partnership with ExxonMobil,” Schrader says. “Our graduates have become leaders in the company, our research partnerships have helped address the country’s energy needs, and over the years, the company has made significant charitable gifts to Missouri S&T. I thank ExxonMobil’s employees, as well as the company’s leadership, for their continued investment.”

“The ExxonMobil Foundation has a long history of supporting a range of efforts to improve the quality of education in the United States,” says Suzanne McCarron, president of the ExxonMobil Foundation. “We are proud to build upon the generous support of ExxonMobil employees who are committed to investing in the future of young Americans and supporting institutions of higher learning.”